A scene from the annual Holiday Lights Boat Parade on Lake Lanier
More than 30 festive boats cut an impressive path along the calm waters of Lake Lanier shortly after dusk the second Saturday in December. The Holiday Boat Light Parade was deemed a huge success by organizers.
“Just about every boat in the parade was over the top with decorations and holiday spirit,” said Richard Pickering, organizer of the annual event that raised funds for the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes. “The weather was perfect, timing worked like a charm and spectators turned out to support the event.”
Pickering said that so far (as of mid-December), entry fees, sponsor contributions and donations have exceeded $5,000.
“We are still accepting donations through our Facebook page – Holiday Boat Light Parade – so that we can further increase our support of the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes,” he said. “We didn’t do the silent auction this year, but we plan to bring it back in 2023 to help us raise even more for this worthwhile cause that helps the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Homes provide a real home life for the children and youth who live there.”
Winners included:
- Best Yacht: Splash, owned by Gary Austin
- Most Decorated: Shooting Star, owned by Kenneth Eggers
- Best Cruiser: Wish You Were Here, owned by Krista DeMarinis
- Best Houseboat: Silent Partner, owned by Jeffery Denaga
- Best Crew: Santa’s Got a Brand New Sleigh, owned by Amy Looby
- Best Theme: Chiki Tiki, owned by Lorri Sands
- Best Pontoon, owned by Brandon Taylor
- Best Sailboat: Indie J, owned by Doug Neal
- Grand Prize: Compromise Cabin, owned by Joe Connolly
Thomas Stepnowski was awarded the Sponsor Grand Prize.
The winners were awarded snowflake-shaped plaques.
Next year’s Holiday Boat Light Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 9. For updates, visit the group’s Facebook Page at Holiday Boat Light Parade, where you can also make donations.
Photo by Betsy Jorgensen
